Monday, 30 November 2015

Blurp: In thirteenth-century Sri Lanka, Asanka, poet to the king, lives a life of luxury, enjoying courtly life and a sweet, furtive love affair with a palace servant, a village girl he is teaching to write. But when Magha, a prince from the mainland, usurps the throne, Asanka's role as court poet dramatically alters. Magha is a cruel and calculating king--and yet, a lover of poetry--and he commissions Asanka to translate a holy Sanskrit epic into the Tamil language spoken by his recently acquired subjects. The poem will be an olive branch--a symbol of unity between the two cultures.

But in different languages, in different contexts, meaning can become slippery. First inadvertently, then deliberately and dangerously, Asanka's version of the epic, centered on the killing of an unjust ruler, inspires and arouses the oppressed people of the land. Asanka must juggle the capricious demands of a king with the growing demands of his own political consciousness--and his heart--if he wishes to survive and imagine a future with the woman he loves.

I have never done this before, a not finished post. And I feel bad, so so bad. I am not one to give up on books, although sometimes when I continued with one I couldn't get into I ended up in a reading slump. Would take forever to finish that one book and when I did I didn't really fancy picking up another one for some time. Now that I am blogging I don't really want that to happen, so this once I have to simply give up.

And I tried, I really did, I was 25% into this book. However I didn't have a clue what was actually happening beside the fact it was about a poet, poet to a King. The King gets killed and a new crazy King rules, one who wants the poet to translate some poetry. The poet, who is married also has a mistress. And that's all I caught of the story. There was so many strange names and places, I couldn't follow any of it. I got confused about who was who. And not only that but the version I received of netgalley had many mistakes and random numbers half way inside sentences which made it a bit hard to have a comfortable read.

I am really grateful to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this and I am sorry that on this occasion I couldn't write a full review.

Sunday, 29 November 2015

I have been so crazy busy lately I have only finished one book, rather sad about that tbh. But even tho I only finished that one I have really really enjoyed it. It took me back to the genre that really got me reading a lot in the past few years, paranormal, fantasy, YA...

The book I have finished is A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. It's all about Fairies, fantasy, magic and plenty of it. I have fallen in love with that genre some time back and there was a time when that was all I would read, fairies, vampires, wolves, witches, that was what I loved most. And while I still do, no matter my age now, I am glad that blogging has opened my eyes to many other amazing genres. I have read many books that I normally wouldn't have picked up and I am looking forward to more surprises.

Blurp:When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

I have managed to stay away from NetGalley this past week, yay!! Altho I plan to finish at least one book I have of NetGalley this week. I have managed to add to books to my collection this week.

Secrets in Phoenix has been send to me by Oftomes Publishings and I am so so excited to be able to review for them. I love he stuff they are releasing and I am looking forward to hopefully be able to help out this new young and fresh company. Can't wait to read it, my review will be up sometime in December.

Blurp:When Sophie Ballester and her twin brothers Sam and Todd are uprooted from their home and sent to a remote boarding school run by their Great Aunt Ness, they stumble upon a hidden room that holds a secret—a secret that will change everything.

The people of Phoenix Holt are not what they seem.

In fact, nothing is.

I also received beautiful bookmail from Black and White Publishing, Don't be afraid by Daniela Sacerdoti. This is a slightly new genre to me but I am totally looking forward to reading this. It will be published 14th January in paperback original. Expect a review of this before the release date.

Blurp:When you've forgotten how to live, help can arrive in mysterious ways...

Successful artist Isabel Ramsay has never come to terms with the tragic death of her mother. Haunted by what happened, Isabel finds her own life spiralling out of control until, one winter s day, she gives up, unable to bear the pain of living any longer. Yet somehow she wakes up, remembering a vision of a mysterious woman who has saved her. But alone in a locked house, surely that's impossible?

With her family and friends worried out of their minds, her husband Angus finds a companion to watch over Isabel while he's away from home. Warm, wise Clara can connect with Isabel in a way no one else can, helping her face up to her painful past, rediscover her passion for art and become brave enough to live her life again. But there s a mystery surrounding Clara: who is she, and why does Isabel feel she's known her all her life?

Friday, 27 November 2015

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

This is a book I've had on my shelf for some time, I honestly don't know why it took me so long to finally pick it up. And I am one of the very few that hasn't read anything by Sarah J. Maas yet, even tho I love his genre.

This book is about Feyre who lives with her sisters and father in a tiny cottage, they have barely any money for food and that is why she is out in the woods hunting. If she didn't her and her family would starve. However everyone knows what lies behind the invisible wall, a world full of fairies, not your cute cuddly kind either but the ones that trick you, enslave you and kill you.

The wall has come up after a treaty, one that devided their worlds and no fairy should cross over. But when Feyre comes face to face with a wolf she knows instantly that it has to be fay, she kills it cold blooded and skins it to make some money.

But she soon finds out that killing a fay comes at a price, a life for life. And a fay beast comes to take her away from her family, she is to live in his world for ever. Weather she stays with him, Tamlin, at his court or wanders off into the unknown woods is up to her. But she soon finds out how dangerous those woods are and she remains at the court. Slowly a friendship blossoms between her and Lucien who is also at the court. But it's the relationship that slowly unfolds between Tamlin, the high Fea, the dangerous and powerful monster that is the main focal. Tamlin and everyone at his court has got masks on, masks that they can't take off because of a curse. But there is many secrets at Tamlins court and Feyre will slowly uncover some of them, but all it will do is bring more unanswered questions.

This book is loosely based on the beauty and the beast, which is probably one of my all time favourite books. And I actually didn't know this until I started to notice slight similarities. This has made me enjoy the book even more.

I am in love with this book!! Absolutely in love. It's full of magic, fea, adventure, love, fairytale... It's absolutely beautiful. I love the characters, Feyra is such a strong person and it's amazing to watch her blossom and become the woman she is meant to be. Let's not forget Tamlin, I think I am in love with him. He just proves that you should never judge a book by its cover. Even tho I thought I knew the story of beauty and the beast this has completely been a massive surprise. It put such a massive twist on the original and adds so many new things to it. If you enjoy the paranormal and fairy tales you will love this. I can't wait to read the next one. So excited to see what the future holds for Feyre and Tamlin.

Wednesday, 25 November 2015

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading...

Blurp:

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

(out now)

I have recently finished...

Blurp:

When the real world is emptied of all that you love, how can you keep yourself from dependence on the virtual?

Animal activist and punk rock star Larissa Kenders lives in a dystopian world where the real and the virtual intermingle. After the disappearance of her soulmate, Andrew, Kenders finds solace by escaping to Nirvana, a virtual world controlled by Hexagon. In Nirvana, anyone’s deepest desires may be realized - even visits with Andrew.

Although Kenders knows that this version of Andrew is virtual, when he asks for her assistance revealing Hexagon’s dark secret, she cannot help but comply. Soon after, Kenders and her closest allies find themselves in a battle with Hexagon, the very institution they have been taught to trust. After uncovering much more than she expected, Kenders’ biggest challenge is determining what is real – and what is virtual.

Nirvana is a fast-paced, page-turning young adult novel combining elements of science fiction, mystery, and romance. Part of a trilogy, this book introduces readers to a young woman who refuses to give up on the man she loves, even if it means taking on an entire government to do so.

(out now)

and...

Blurp:

When the police started asking questions, Jean Taylor turned into a different woman. One who enabled her and her husband to carry on, when more bad things began to happen...

But that woman’s husband died last week. And Jean doesn’t have to be her anymore.

There’s a lot Jean hasn’t said over the years about the crime her husband was suspected of committing. She was too busy being the perfect wife, standing by her man while living with the accusing glares and the anonymous harassment.

Now there’s no reason to stay quiet. There are people who want to hear her story. They want to know what it was like living with that man. She can tell them that there were secrets. There always are in a marriage.

The truth—that’s all anyone wants. But the one lesson Jean has learned in the last few years is that she can make people believe anything…

(out 14th January)

I plan to read next...

Blurp:

In thirteenth-century Sri Lanka, Asanka, poet to the king, lives a life of luxury, enjoying courtly life and a sweet, furtive love affair with a palace servant, a village girl he is teaching to write. But when Magha, a prince from the mainland, usurps the throne, Asanka's role as court poet dramatically alters. Magha is a cruel and calculating king--and yet, a lover of poetry--and he commissions Asanka to translate a holy Sanskrit epic into the Tamil language spoken by his recently acquired subjects. The poem will be an olive branch--a symbol of unity between the two cultures.

But in different languages, in different contexts, meaning can become slippery. First inadvertently, then deliberately and dangerously, Asanka's version of the epic, centered on the killing of an unjust ruler, inspires and arouses the oppressed people of the land. Asanka must juggle the capricious demands of a king with the growing demands of his own political consciousness--and his heart--if he wishes to survive and imagine a future with the woman he loves.

The first novel from a remarkable young writer, River of Ink is a powerful historical tale set in the shadow of oppression--one with deep allegorical resonances in any time--celebrating the triumph of literature and love.

(out now)

and...

Blurp:

We accepted it was terrorism. What if we were wrong?What if London's 7/7 bombings were the greatest criminal deception of our time?

July 2005: in the midst of Operation Theseus, the largest terrorist investigation that the UK has ever known, Detective Inspector Jake Flannagan begins to ask difficult questions that lead to the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend and his sudden suspension from the Metropolitan Police.

Who masterminded London's summer of terror? Why can't Flannagan make headway in the sprawling investigation?Are the bombings the perfect ploy to mask a different plot entirely?Is Jake's absent Security Service girlfriend really who she claims to be?

While hunting for the answers to the most complex terrorist case in British history, one man will uncover the greatest criminal deception of our time.

Terror, extremism and fear of the unknown,Sometimes the answer is much closer to home.

Sunday, 22 November 2015

Once again, I am not the fastest reader, I have managed two books again this week.

The first one being Nirvana by J. R. Stewart, which I got of Netgalley. I really enjoyed the whole story and idea of the book, even tho I felt a little lost at times. It was all based in the future after the extinction of bees, which resulted in the extinction of a lot of other things too.

The second book was The Widow by Fiona Barton. This is the one everyone is talking about currently. And I can totally see why, similar written to the girl on the train, this book is gripping from the start and stays with you long after you are finished. I have received this book of Ben from penguin random house and I couldn't be more grateful.

That's it really. I haven't managed to read anything at all this weekend because Iwe took our little girl to see Disney on Ice. What an amazing experience that was, my princess had the best time and we enjoyed it too. Afterwards I went out for my friends birthday and the head still isn't feeling normal. However I have started on Friday A Court of Thornes and Roses. I have had this on my shelf for a while now and glad I can finally squeeze it in. I fear it may be the only book I will manage to finish this coming week tho. Busy busy busy.

Stacking the shelves...

Well there isn't much to say here. I haven't had any lovely bookmail this week and I have been a good girl and only got one book of Netgalley...

Friday, 20 November 2015

Jean Taylor's life was blissfully ordinary. Nice house, nice husband. Glen was all she'd ever wanted: her Prince Charming. But then everything changed.

THE HUSBAND

The newspapers found a new name for Glen: MONSTER, they shrieked. Jean was married to a man accused of the unimaginable. And as the years ticked by, with no sign of the little girl he had been accused of taking, their life was constantly splashed across the front pages.

THE WIDOW

But now Glen is dead and she's alone for the first time, free to tell her story on her own terms.

I am genuinely very excited about writing this review. I love nothing more then a book that grabs you from the first page. A book that is on your mind all the time, while you are at work, while you go on about your day to day business, while you're trying to sleep and you think about as soon as you wake up. This is such a book, it's been haunting me all the time.

The Widow is written similar to the girl on the train. It sort of switches between the present and the past. Almost like diary entries. Mainly it's about the wife/widow, a journalist and a police officer. Glen Taylor has been accused of a terrible crime a few years ago, that of kidnapping and most likely killing a little 2 year old girl called Bella. Sparks is the one investigating the dissapearance and his investigation takes him to Glens and Jeans door. Without being able to prove anything, all it does is bring the press to the married couples door and change their life forever. Jean stands by her man, even when horrible things come to light. He wouldn't harm a child, would he? We learn a lot about their marriage. Slowly cracks begin to appear and Jean jsnt always 100% sure anymore.

Kate is a journalist, who in the past became close with the mother of the little girl, she is now closer then anyone before to getting a exclusive story from Jean, the widow. While Jean and Glen never spoke to the pres before, Glen has now suddenly died, hit by a bus just outside Sainsburrys, which leaves Jean to be able to do what she pleases.

We are taken on a journey to discover the truth, the truth about the little girl, the widow and the husband. What happened the day Bella dissapearad? How much does Jean really know? Will the truth ever come out? Will justice be served to the person responsible?

I honestly couldn't put this down. As a mother of a little girl this was esp emotional for me. It was so well written, I felt I was sat down with the characters and they was telling me their story over a cup of tea. They all sort of became part of my life for the few days that I was reading the book. But I also know they will stay with me for a long time after. This isn't a book that you just read and forget about, this is a book you talk about for some time. It's a cruel world we live in sometimes and I think the author has managed to open my eyes to some things, things we don't always pay attention to. It includes a powerful message, I for one will be teaching my daughter once again to stay away from strangers. I also have never wanted to shake a person as much as I did these past few days. I wanted to shout out and open their eyes. It's a rare thing as a reader to have such mixed emotions about the characters in a book, I think I felt them all. My mind was certainly kept very busy.

I can't recommend this book enough. Even if you normally don't read a thriller. It's not the first genre I would go for either but I am so glad I did, not only that but I think I should do more often in the future. This will be at the top of my list when friends ask me to recommend a good new book.

Fiona Barton is one to watch. I for one, can't wait for her next book.

Thank you Ben from penguin random house for sending me this beautiful piece of work in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wednesday, 18 November 2015

'When the real world is emptied of all that you love, how can you keep yourself from dependence on the virtual?

Animal activist and punk rock star Larissa Kenders lives in a dystopian world where the real and the virtual intermingle. After the disappearance of her soulmate, Andrew, Kenders finds solace by escaping to Nirvana, a virtual world controlled by Hexagon. In Nirvana, anyone’s deepest desires may be realized - even visits with Andrew.

Although Kenders knows that this version of Andrew is virtual, when he asks for her assistance revealing Hexagon’s dark secret, she cannot help but comply. Soon after, Kenders and her closest allies find themselves in a battle with Hexagon, the very institution they have been taught to trust. After uncovering much more than she expected, Kenders’ biggest challenge is determining what is real – and what is virtual.'

We are taken into a completely different world, a world in which ours doesn't exist anymore. Earth has died out step by step. Starting with the extinction of bees. This is a world in which rich people have uploaded their entire mind into a computer to replace their human bodies.

Kendal was a punk rockstar back in our world, now her only way is to play in a virtual world where they venue is uploaded and nothing is actually real. However she prefers everything human and real.

Andrew is a top programer that is working for Hexagon who basically own everything and everyone. Living together they both have very different morals to everyone else. Even tho Andrew is the one who build and invented so many things, including Nirvana. However Hexagon is trying to push him to complete a very big project that would make them a lot of money, he however doesn't think it's ready and it needs much more research.

In Nirvana you can enter a different world and you can be whatever you want to be while you are put under a sort of sleep, for a cost. But some people turn on the red door program, and those people dissapear. Kenders and Andrew try to hide the red program starting to save people. But how much longer can they do this until they get caught.

When Andrew dissapears and people come looking for him, his work and his computer. Kendal knows he is in trouble, however she doesn't know why. Who can she trust? And will she know what's real and what isn't? This is where the book starts to get really interesting.

At first it took me some time to wrap my head around this new world. But once I got reading more I started to get into the story itself a lot more. There was a few places in the book where I wasn't sure what was going on. And I felt there was a few jumps forward that confused me. Other then that this has been a really interesting read. A very adventures journey to find the man she loves. Kendal basically takes on the world without knowing why and for what cause. I really like the girl. The word has still so much potential and I can't wait to see where it leads next. The end of the book certainly leaves you wanting more.

I have received this book of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

I am another one slightly braking the rules with this one. I haven't been tagged to do this but I think the idea is great and it's a lovely way to get to know other bloggers. Have seen some really interesting answers and enjoyed reading those posts a lot. So here is mine.

I have also added one question myself because I was rather interested to see what other readers are like. Hope you enjoy this :)

Do you have a certain place at home for reading.

I don't really. I probably read the most on our sofa or in bed. But I also enjoy reading in the bath with a lovely lush bathbomb in, it's my kind of Sunday routine. You can even find me in the kitchen sometimes cooking and reading if a book is really good.

Bookmark or random piece of paper?

I love bookmarks. I have lots. But you know when you sat somewhere and it suddenly goes missing? Well then a piece of paper will do for now.

Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop at the end of a chapter/a certain amount of pages?

I do prefer to finish a chapter, I find it much easier to then pick up where I left of. But I have a little daughter so I more often then not have to just put the book down. I even squeeze in some reading into 15 minutes before I have to go to work, so again I am forced to just put it down. I do however try and finish at the top of a page so I remember where I was.

Do you eat or drink while reading?

Both. I love a cuppa while reading. But while I like a snack with a book I wouldn't read while eating dinner.

Multitasking: music or tv while reading?

I find it hard to concentrate on my book with either of those on. When I have words in my ears they distract me from the words in front of my eyes. I don't mind it when it's quiet and often have the radio on in the backround. But only at low volume.

One book at a time or several at once?

Always just the one. I find I can't switch off from one to concebtrate on another and then go back. So I only pick one up when I am done with another.

Read at home or everywhere?

I could read anywhere to be honest. Holiday being my favourite place of course :) I try to carry my kindle with me where ever I can.

Can you read while on the move in a car or on the train?

This one I have added myself. It always amazes me how many people read on the London tubes. And while I can manage on the train I am not sure I could on the tube while standing up and being shaken some. However I can not read in the car at all. Makes me dizzy and I really wish it didn't. We often drive abroad and it's hours and hours in the car, would be lovely to spend the time reading.

Read aloud or silently in your head?

Always silently in my head. The only time I read aloud is when I read to my little daughter.

Do you read ahead or even skip pages?

I don't skip pages no. However when it's really interesting and I can't wait I will scan the page with my eyes even when I just turned the page. But I have never looked at an ending beforehand.

Breaking the spine or keeping it new?

I used to break the spine. But then I started swapping books with my best friend and she kept her books as new. So I kind of got used to that, not only that but I loved that my books still looked pretty and new. So now I do this to all my books, they all looked untouched and I am really strict when someone wants to borrow one of mine.

Sunday, 15 November 2015

I am not a very quick reader and beside having to work, I have a 6 year old daughter to look after, also during the week it's only the two of us because my husband works away.

Reading 2 books a week is my norm, if I can finish 3 then it's a really good week ;)

But this week it has been 2 again. The first one was These Broken Stars and the second one was Dark Shadows.

Those two couldn't be more different yet I have enjoyed both. I have had These Broken Stars here for some time, it's a YA Fantasy book, the first in a series. It's about two people stranded on a unknown planet after their massive ship literally falls of the sky. The two being the only survivors and they start to find strange things on the planet. Can't wait to read the next one and I have given this 4 stars on good reads.

The 2nd book is Dark Shadows. It was my very first NetGalley book and a physiological thriller. Amazing book! Lots of surprises. It's not normally my genre but I am glad I have picked it up. This also got 4 stars on good reads and it will be released tomorrow!

I have now started Nirvana, only 10% in so I can't really say much about it. Also I don't get to read much at the weekend as it's always a very busy time. But this also came of NetGalley, I fear this will take over my life ha ha

I really like the idea of doing a Stacking The Shelves post. But I haven't really kept track. I certainly will next week and try to be much more organised about everything related to my blog. So stay tuned :)

Friday, 13 November 2015

Until last week, my life was pretty normal for a sixteen-year-old. Until I spent that awful night trapped in the janitor's closet in utter darkness. Until the dreams began — suffocating, panic-filled dreams. My best friend Kyla stays with me, but the dreams still continue. And I wake each morning with cuts & burns on my skin. I don’t recall inflicting them.

And then there is the blood on my hands and my sheets when I wake up.

I’m afraid of myself and what I've done.

And I'm beginning to be more afraid of Kyla. And what she will do.

OMG! What a book! What an end!!

So far the best about starting this blog is discovering new genres and books that I wouldn't normally pick up and finding that I absolutely love those. This is one of those books.

From the first page we are joining Ella in her worse nightmare. Bullied, pushed and locked in a janitors cupboard at school over night. She is scared of the dark and is forced to spend the night in absolute panic, found only by the janitor the next day. She is in total shock, you can almost feel all her pain yourself. What a way to start. I am gripped from page one. Not only that but I find myself angry, angry at the school principal for how he is dealing with the situation. Angry at the kids that did this to her. This isn't an easy topic, sadly it happens in many schools. As a mother it's one real fear and it makes me rather emotional to read. Esp as the bullying gets worse to.

After her ordeal she finds herself having really dark dreams, but what's even worse is that she wakes up covered in blood. And it's not always hers. What is she up to at night? And why can't she remember? Now I am totally intrigued, what is going on? Is she capable of hurting herself or others? What is going on with her friend Kyla that stays over night but is always gone in the morning? It's the friend I can't put my finger on, and she is at the back of my mind at all times.

When one of her bullies turns up dead one morning she can't help but wonder if she has killed him. I can't help but hang on to every word, worried I will miss some clue as to what is happening to Ella. There is so many mysteries.

I love Ella's mum and their relationship. It's the kind of relationship every mum and daughter should have. When Ella's word is falling apart she manages to confide in her mother, who deals with everything in the best possible way. But is she being completely open with her daughter?

At this point I suspect everyone of something and it's nearly impossible to predict the end. And I have different suspicions myself. I am totally intrigues and drawn in, my guesses changing from page to page. What is real and what isn't? Why is she scared of her friend? Will Ella find a way out of the darkness that seems to drown her?

This isn't your typical who done it kind of book. This is so much more then that. This is as good as physiological thrillers come. It will have you wondering from the first page till the very last one.

To be totally honest I wish I could go on with my review. But if I do I might spoil it for other, what's best about this book is the surprises and I want others to experience them for themselves.

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Luxury spaceliner Icarus suddenly plummets from hyperspace into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive -- alone. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a cynical war hero. Both journey across the eerie deserted terrain for help. Everything changes when they uncover the truth.

First of all!! Cover!! I am in love, and once again guilty of a cover buy. This is clearly going to go totally wrong one day, but so far so good.

I absolutely love the characters in this book. The name Lilac is absolutely amazing and I am already wondering why I didn't call my daughter Lilac. Considering this is actually my favourite flower. I adore her, she should be a totally spoiled rotten brat on paper, but in reality she doesn't actually feel comfortable in her life. Feeling trapped rather then happy. Not only that but she doesn't dare speak to any boys, in fear of what her very rich, powerful father will do to them.

Then there is Tarver, who doesn't like a man in uniform? I certainly do. He is a soldier through and through. Becoming a war hero so early in his life made him very famous, but he also doesn't feel comfortable in his new life. This isn't where he is from and people treat him very differently. Pretty much everyone thinks they are better then him. He wishes he could have earned his medals in the way everyone else does, through years of service.

When Tarver and Lilac meet there is chemistry there from the start, but Tarver has no idea he is basically speaking to a princess. He is totally smitten by the red haired beauty. Who not only has easy banter but some backbone too.

Once again fearing consequences from her father Lilac is horrible to him to get rid of him. Which causes a drift between them that continues well after they crash land on to a different planet. After the devastating crash of the ship, that seems to have no survivors other then those two they find themselves on a planet they can't recognise. While they first can't think of a worse companien to be stranded with, they soon realise how much they need each other. It's almost like their 'talents' compliment each other. What she lacks, he makes up for and other way around.

I love how their relationship develops. Both fighting it at first, nobody wanting to admit their feelings. But it still happens step by step they find themselves falling for each other.

Stranded on a planet where they hear whispers, see strange animals and visions, they become a tight team, on their way to find the main ship. Their life in danger, they continue to safe each other. But what else are they going to find on this planet? And will they find a way home?

Even after everything they discover and go through. They get to the point where they think staying on this planet is their better choice, if they want to stay together. What awaits them at home could possibly be their end.

I really really like this book. The writing is amazing, the characters are extremely likeable, the little snippets of Tarvers interview make it even more exciting (why is he lying?) and I seriously couldn't put it down.

I actually feel like I watched a movie, I don't know what it is but I feel like I see it all in pictures when i think back about this story. The book is as beautiful as its cover! I do however feel like it could be just that little bit more, this is space we are talking about, the world building could have gone a bit further. But I feel that we will get much more in the next book. Which personally I really can't wait to read. I am already in love with the cover ;) At first when I heard it will be a different story, I was disappointed but that was before I finished the book. Now I can't wait to meet new characters and see more of this world.

Thursday, 5 November 2015

'After suffering an unthinkable loss, Abbey Miller and her family move to Leeds to rebuild their lives and start again, but the pain and grief that Abbey carries with her is impossible to escape. As she finds herself becoming increasingly isolated from her family, she develops a firm friendship with Lucy, Nathan and Liam, who introduce her to a brand new and exciting world, far removed from all of her problems. But will her new friends bring her the light hearted relief she has longed for? Or will she find herself getting drawn deep into their dangerous and intoxicating world?'

I have received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you know me or my blog at all you will know, I am a total sucker for beautiful covers, and I must admit this one wouldn't have interested me on the shelf of a book store. Which is a shame because reading the blurb this certainly is a book for me.

Abby has suffered a huge loss, about a year ago her twin brother has passed away. Now she finds herself in a new house with her mother and her brother. Leaving her old home and her father behind, who divorced from their mother after their loss.

Abby feels very let down by her family, she feels all alone in her grief. And now she has to deal with a new school too. Very soon it becomes apparent that the author is not exaggerating in any way. This feels very real, in every sense. The experience of first day at a new school, the way the family deals with their loss and even the way Abby starts making friends. It's all so very real.

While Abby slowly makes friends and feels like she finally belongs, it becomes apparent that this new world she is now part of is very different to what she is used to. First it's just a case of skipping classes and hanging around, then drinking and sneaking out of the house, but it soon becomes something even more serious.

I love the way the author deals with this. Only slowly does Abby become drawn into her new world and it makes it so much more believable. The author achieved, without glorifieing anything, very likeable characters. So much so that I kept forgetting that what they are doing is wrong and illegal. Which in return made it so easy to understand why Abby does what she does. She keeps battling with herself, knowing that some of hers and her friends choices are not right. And its amazing to see how some small wrong choices slowly change your whole life.

But it's not just her new friends and thrills that she feels drawn too but also Alex. A very handsome, older and dangerous boy. From the first sight Abby is completely mesmerised by him. But is Alex bad news and no good for her? Alex is the sort of guy that all our mothers warn us about and at the same time he is the guy most girls dream about. While he has his hands in many illegal things, he is very caring and loving when it comes to his friends.

This book is about loss, it's about a family, it's about the need to belong, about things that are so wrong and feel so right, friendship, drugs, love and so much more. Its about loosing yourself and finding yourself. I could probably talk about it for some time.

All the way through the book, you know this can't end well, but you really want it too. It's a powerful and heartbreaking message.

Purely because I have had a busy week this book has taken me a while. But when ever I could I have picked it up, wanting to know what's going on next. Which for me is very important in a book. There is so many ways this story could end and I was for ever wondering, hoping.

It's an very eye opening book in many ways. It's about the choices you make and the consequences.

This author has an amazing talent in story telling. The actual writing took some getting used to for me, it was almost to factual for me. In some parts it reminded me a little of Martina Cole.

There is a fine balance between showing us the fun side of Abby's new life and the hard reality. This has been a powerful read and I am so glad I have picked it up, it's one of those stories that will stick with me for some time.

About Me

Hi I am a 33 year old mother and wife, I work in a highschool kitchen and I actually really love my job. I don't have much spare time but whenever I find some I fill it with reading. Much rather curl up with a good book then be stuck in front of the telly. I love to read YA, paranormal, bit of the kinky ones, romance... really just anything that gets to my heart. I love to shop and wear pretty clothes and every so often I need a good night out with some fancy cocktails. I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time now and the time has finally come. I am totally new to this so bear with me :)